The Politics of Language

Hotep and Greetings,

Words, wordsmyths, word-throwers and word-catchers... As a writer and poet, oh!, how I love words! 

Words a jumble, tumble, from my mind onto the page... What kind of message will these words convey?

I'm talking about the politics of language...  To say or not to say can get you in a whole heap a trouble in your relationships, on your job and in the world in general.  Words start and end wars and love affairs; words translate ideas that become seeds that create... babies, communities, multinational corporations... great empires began with an idea-word made manifest.  Alas, it is written that even the Creator imagined, then spoke the world into existence with the words, "Let there be..."

In the African tradition, "Nommo" is the "power of the spoken word..."  There can be no doubt that powerfully spoken words have moved people, countries and ways of being in the world...  The art of oration is one of the impressive gifts possessed by the 44th President of the United States; his effective use of words changed the course of the country and the tenor of politics around the globe.  So powerful are the words of President Obama that even enemies of the USA must listen, then scurry, pleading with their followers not to be seduced by his words- thoughtfully crafted and sincerely delivered- to bring change much desired... and needed.

What is the power potential of words?  Ask anyone embroiled in a debate, fighting for a cause or trying to get something accomplished...  Words can persuade, encourage, cajole, uplift, inspire and motivate.  Words challenge, confront and can be thought-provoking.  But speaker beware...  Words can also damage; they can be especially hurtful when spirit-absorbed by a child whose teacher - or parent - has spoken harshly...  Words, positive or negative, replayed over and over, instill a sense of esteem in a child - high or low - as they believe what is told to them and often fulfill the expectation the words deem so.  

There are word games that can teach, i.e., scrabble, and cultural word games that can cut, i.e., "the dozens."  Sticks and stones may break your bones, but it's a lie that words can't hurt you. 

If words are seeds that sow attitudes as well as actions, I am appalled that a certain former Speaker of the House is "not a citizen of the world."  As small as this world is getting, I would think everyone would want to be a citizen of it, meaning, being responsible for our actions in it; have consideration and care for our fellow citizens and, in the process, showing ourselves has enlightened humans sharing the planet we call Earth.  Then again, small minded people entertaining fear often use the politics of language to cower and scare, ferociously trying to beat back a mindset change so desperately needed... and desired.

The politics of language require the mastery of words - speaking as well as listening.  How do you hear words?  Do you hear the spaces and the unspoken?  Are you hearing what you think you hear?  How do you know?  When it comes to talking, one can say nearly anything, depending on how you say it...  How do you handle words?  Do your words soothe or cut?  Do you whisper words, tongue a-wag?  Are your words constructive or destructive?  Are names safe in your mouth?  Is your tongue a sword, ready to slice and dice at the slightest provocation?  Are you known for kind, wise words?  Or are your words nice-nasty - say it nice, but mean it nasty?  Are your words truthful or lie-laced?  How often do we entertain these questions?  In pursuit of excellence, I certainly hope the process of thinking about how we use words will percolate deeply, but, for now, I'm out of...er.. words.  More later...

Peace and blessings!

PS:  Pre-order Obamatyme: Election Poetry and/or Soul Poems: Life as Fertile Ground at www.barnesandnoble.com today and help a sista go national!